1. Which of the following is NOT an essential requirement of foundations?
a) Stability
b) Strength
c) Durability
d) Aesthetic appeal
Answer: d) Aesthetic appeal
Explanation: Foundations primarily serve structural purposes such as stability, strength, and durability, rather than aesthetic considerations.
2. What is the purpose of combined footing?
a) To support a single column
b) To support multiple columns
c) To resist lateral loads
d) To improve drainage
Answer: b) To support multiple columns
Explanation: Combined footings are designed to support two or more columns located closely together, distributing the load to prevent differential settlement.
3. What is the main cause of frost heave in footings?
a) High temperatures
b) Low temperatures
c) Excessive moisture
d) Insufficient reinforcement
Answer: b) Low temperatures
Explanation: Frost heave occurs when moisture in the soil freezes, causing it to expand and lift structures such as footings.
4. Which type of foundation is most suitable for areas with high groundwater levels?
a) Strip footing
b) Isolated footing
c) Pile foundation
d) Grillage foundation
Answer: c) Pile foundation
Explanation: Pile foundations are often used in areas with high groundwater levels because they can be driven deep into the ground to reach stable soil or bedrock.
5. What is the primary advantage of using pile foundations?
a) Cost-effectiveness
b) Shallow excavation depth
c) Resistance to lateral loads
d) Ability to support heavy loads
Answer: d) Ability to support heavy loads
Explanation: Pile foundations are capable of supporting heavy loads by transferring them through friction or end-bearing capacities to deeper, more stable soil layers.
6. Which type of footing is commonly used for eccentrically loaded columns?
a) Strip footing
b) Isolated footing
c) Combined footing
d) Strap footing
Answer: d) Strap footing
Explanation: Strap footings are suitable for supporting eccentrically loaded columns by providing additional width and reinforcement to balance the load.
7. What is the definition of load failure in pile foundations?
a) Structural collapse
b) Excessive settlement
c) Lateral displacement
d) Inadequate bearing capacity
Answer: d) Inadequate bearing capacity
Explanation: Load failure in pile foundations occurs when the applied load exceeds the bearing capacity of the soil, resulting in excessive settlement or instability.
8. Which type of footing exerts the highest contact pressure on the soil?
a) Isolated footing
b) Strip footing
c) Grillage foundation
d) Combined footing
Answer: b) Strip footing
Explanation: Strip footings distribute the load over a narrow strip of soil, resulting in higher contact pressure compared to other types of footings.
9. How does groundwater affect footings?
a) Increases stability
b) Reduces strength
c) Improves drainage
d) Minimizes settlement
Answer: b) Reduces strength
Explanation: Groundwater can reduce the strength of footings by causing erosion, soil liquefaction, or corrosion of foundation materials.
10. What is the primary disadvantage of using grillage foundations?
a) High cost
b) Limited load-bearing capacity
c) Complex construction
d) Susceptibility to frost heave
Answer: c) Complex construction
Explanation: Grillage foundations require intricate construction methods involving the assembly of steel beams or grillages, making them more complex compared to other types of foundations.
11. Which criterion is NOT used for classifying pile foundations?
a) Material composition
b) Installation method
c) Load transfer mechanism
d) Environmental impact
Answer: d) Environmental impact
Explanation: Pile foundations are classified based on material composition, installation method, and load transfer mechanism, but not typically based on environmental impact.
12. What is the behavior of pile groups under load?
a) Increased stability
b) Reduced settlement
c) Group action
d) Individual behavior
Answer: c) Group action
Explanation: Pile groups exhibit collective behavior under load, interacting with each other and the surrounding soil to distribute the applied loads effectively.
13. Which type of footing is most susceptible to eccentric loading?
a) Strip footing
b) Isolated footing
c) Combined footing
d) Strap footing
Answer: b) Isolated footing
Explanation: Isolated footings support single columns and are vulnerable to eccentric loading if the center of gravity of the column does not coincide with the center of the footing.
14. What is the primary purpose of a strap footing?
a) Improve aesthetics
b) Resist lateral loads
c) Balance eccentric loads
d) Enhance foundation stability
Answer: c) Balance eccentric loads
Explanation: Strap footings are designed to balance eccentric loads by connecting two isolated footings with a beam or strap, distributing the load more evenly.
15. Which factor does NOT influence the selection of pile type?
a) Soil type
b) Load magnitude
c) Environmental regulations
d) Construction method
Answer: c) Environmental regulations
Explanation: While environmental regulations may influence overall project design and execution, they typically do not directly impact the selection of pile types, which is primarily based on soil conditions, load requirements, and construction considerations.